Normally, the Queen is a pillar of strength for her family and the balm for the nation s soul. But yesterday, on an occasion of deep sorrow and rare glories, it was she who required succour.
When, for instance, the national minute s silence froze the scene inside St George s Chapel in the great walled enclosure of Windsor Castle.
And again when the Last Post cast its mournful spell and she bowed her head, appearing to wipe away a tear.
But never was the blast of goodwill from her country needed most than when she stood – desolate, masked, alone, without even a hand to squeeze – watching the coffin bearing her husband of 73 years sink dramatically beneath the chapel s marble floor.